Sky Three to launch on Freeview

The upcoming Sky Three channel will replace Sky Travel on Freeview, it has been confirmed.

The general entertainment station, which plans to launch towards the end of October, will offer a lineup of Sky One shows on a delay of between 12 to 18 months.

"The expansion of Sky's portfolio of entertainment channels will allow us to deliver more value to customers and to exploit programme rights more effectively," said Dawn Airey, Sky Networks MD.

"By launching simultaneously on Freeview, Sky Three will reach an even wider audience and offer digital terrestrial viewers the opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of popular programmes from Sky."

Sky Three's programming will include the free TV premiere of the third season of 24, along with Cold Case and Paul McKenna's I Can Change Your Life. Original lifestyle commissions and travel documentaries are also expected to feature.

Sky Mix will be rebranded Sky Two to coincide with the launch.